The $400 in cell phone charges raised a red flag with me; either the guy was lying, or he is a moron (maybe a little harsh on my part, I guess, but this was my first reaction).

I think it's safe to say that if any of us had been in the same situation and had pressing time concerns, we'd have been out of there sooner*.... in spite of the fact that getting an endorsement from nonexistant UA staff would have been tricky.

Also, at least by the article's account, Higgins seems like a decent guy.

*I've learned over time that, as soon as a mechanical is declared at an outstation, it's best to focus on finding other options.